2015-16 Federal Duck Stamp (Adhesive Issue)

This is my artwork on the 2015-2016 Federal Duck Stamp featuring the Ruddy Duck. The background is reproduced from my painting "Above and Below" and the stamp itself was chosen via federal competition.
All design elements, text, and logos on the stamp were created by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Department of the Interior. Special thanks to them for doing such a great design with my artwork.

The stamp has officially gone on sale as of June 26th, 2015.

The Federal Duck Stamp is not a postage stamp, but a Conservation stamp. 98% of the sale of each and every stamp goes into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. I do not make any money at all from the stamp. This fund may not be used for anything other than the purchase, preservation, restoration, maintenance, and easements of wildlife habitat (particularly wetlands and grasslands). Despite the name, this money saves thousands of species of plant and animals, not just birds and ducks. To date the stamp program has protected over 6.8 million acres, most notably as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system. In short- Duck Stamps protect vital wetland and grassland habitats, which are used by tens of thousands of species of animal and plant. The wetlands in particular help filter our groundwater and mitigate flooding. These two habitats are incredibly important for plants and animals, but are also important for people! The money generated from each stamp can NOT be used in any other way, and as of 2013 each stamp conserved around 725 square feet. THAT'S BANANAS. Now that the stamp is $25, it is predicted to save MORE than 725 square feet per stamp. Imagine a beautiful, wild place on a National Wildlife Refuge or any other wetland or grassland preservation project, and then imagine that you personally saved more than 725 square feet of it. How cool is that?

I have been getting quite a few questions about where to get stamps. I think it's awesome that so many people are interested!
It's important to mention that there are two main issues of the stamp. One is the "old fashioned" gummed stamp (lick-it-and-stick-it) and the other is the adhesive stamp (peel and stick). The image above is the adhesive stamp.
When you buy from a post office (call to make sure they stock them first!) or from a sporting goods counter, they really only carry the adhesive stamp.
If you want the water activated gummed stamp, you will need to order from the internet or through your normal philatelic provider. Places to order stamps: www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved…
I am happy to sign stamps shipped to me (with full return postage, please) or at any event I will be attending! If, however, you want a signed stamp and can't attend any of the events I am going to, please feel free to order one off of my website.
featherdust.storenvy.com/colle…